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The Plans of Man and the Plans of God

Oftentimes as human beings we think that we all in charge our of lives, and that in order for anything to happen we need to make it so. While hard work is definitely appropriate, we shouldn't underestimate the role of our great God. As I look forward to developing my career I lean on these texts to give me confidence and hope. In doing so I live out the axiom I've adapted from the sayings of a couple pastors I respect.

"Work like it depends on you, and rest like it depends on God."

As I think about all that God has done, and is doing in my life, some verses from Proverbs stand out. I hope these texts can fill you with the same encouragement and hope as they have given me.

The plans of the heart belong to man,but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. (16:1)

Commit your work to the Lord,and your plans will be established. (16:3)

The heart of man plans his way,but the Lord establishes his steps. (16:9)

Many are the plans in the mind of a man,but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. (19:21)

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I don't have one specific Bible verse that I can use to prove my point. Jesus never said, "Thou shalt not wear clothes with skulls." I do however think there are number of conclusions that can be drawn from Scripture that support my opinion.

1. Jesus does care about the clothes we wear.
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Last Sunday I preached at a church in Northfield and I shared some thoughts about this. I compared lessons I've learned studying mountain climbing to lessons I've learned living life. Here are the five things I talked about, along with some accompanying Bible verses.
1. You have to have a goal and you have to work hard towards achieving it, sometimes for a long time ---> Jer 29:10-14
2. You have to expect setbacks (injury, weather, enemies, catastrophe) and roll with them ----> 2 Cor 4:8-10
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